How to Nail Your Amateur Theatre Audition, Even If It's Your First Time

Auditioning for amateur theatre, or any theatre for that matter, can be quite daunting. Especially on your first time. It is very rare for someone to enjoy the whole experience; I mean you are essentially being judged. That being said, there are lots of things you can do to make the experience a little less scary. The most important thing to remember that amateur theatre is for EVERYONE, and that includes you; so, no thinking you don’t belong. Whether this is your first time auditioning, or your 100th, this guide is here to help you walk into the room with confidence.

Note that this guide is for confidence and is not a guide to performing better.

Know That Every Theatre Society Does Things Differently

Before anything else, understand that not all auditions are the same. Some are:

·         Open auditions (where you audition in front of other people)

·         Closed auditions (just you and the panel)

·         Workshop-style (group warmups, improvisation, dancing, or singing as a group)

·         Dance calls or singing calls (often for musicals)

Tip: If the audition notice doesn’t specify, ask! Most societies are happy to explain the process as they want you to feel comfortable and do your best.

Read the Brief Carefully

Audition notices often include what you’ll need to prepare. This might be:

·         A monologue

·         A song (sometimes with backing tracks, sometimes with a pianist)

·         A dance routine (taught on the day)

·         A cold read (script provided at the audition)

Tip: Don’t skim the notice, read it all. It may include age restrictions, accent requirements, or even what to wear.

You Don’t Need Formal Training to Do Well

Amateur theatre is exactly that: for people of all backgrounds. Most people auditioning have day jobs, student lives, or retired schedules; not drama degrees. What directors are looking for is:

·         Energy

·         Willingness to take direction

·         Character choices

·         Teamwork potential

Tip: Come with enthusiasm, be open to feedback, and show you’re someone they’d want to work with.

Prepare, But Don’t Panic

It is key to go into the audition prepared enough to know what is going on, but whatever you do, don’t over think it. These tips are enough for you to be prepared.

·         If you have choice of song, choose something you connect with, even if it’s simple.

·         Practice out loud, in front of a mirror, a friend, or even your pet.

·         Think about the characters and the situation of the audition piece.

·         Don’t worry about being “perfect”, being present and real matters more.

·         Remember that you do not need to be off book for an audition. But with songs it can help you be more present in the performance.

Tip: If you forget your lines or lyrics, don’t apologise mid-audition. Take a breath, find your place, and carry on. It happens to everyone.

Dress for Comfort

Forget fancy outfits or trying to look like the character, your focus should be on comfort. Trust us when we say the person dressed as the character won’t get any brownie points. The role goes to whomever is best for the role.

·         Wear clothes you can move in.

·         Layers are a good idea in case the room is too hot or cold.

·         Wear shoes you can stand and move in confidently, especially if there’s a dance element.

Tip: If you feel comfortable physically, you’re more likely to feel confident mentally.

Be Ready to Take Notes

When we say take notes, we don’t mean write something down. In many auditions, especially if you’re reading a scene more than once, the director or a panel member may give you a note or ask you to try something differently. This isn’t a sign you did something wrong! Quite the opposite it means they want to see how you respond to direction.

Tip: Listen carefully, and go for it, even if the note feels unexpected. They’re looking for adaptability, not perfection.

Some Simple Acting Tips

You don’t need to be a trained actor to make a strong impression. These small things can make a big difference:

·         Move – Don’t stand stiff like a statue. Natural, purposeful movement brings your performance to life. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT.

·         Use levels – Sit, stand, kneel, lean, changing your height and posture adds visual interest. Use props like chairs to help you if you think it will make your scene more interesting

·         React – Acting is reacting. Even if you're not speaking, stay in character and listen to your scene partner. THIS IS ALSO SO IMPORTANT!

·         Switch it up – If you read a scene more than once, change your energy, emotion, or tone. Show your range.

·         Project – Speak clearly and loud enough for the back of the room. It’s not shouting, it’s confidence. Make sure the panel knows that your voice can travel to every audience member. Also remember your diction. THIS TOO IS VERY IMPORTANT!!

·         Show range – Even in a short reading, try to include a shift, from calm to angry, hopeful to sad, etc. Show what you can do.

Tip: Think of it like telling a story, not performing perfectly. Be present, be expressive, and take risks.

Be Kind, Supportive, and Curious

Auditioning can be stressful, especially when others seem more confident. But remember:

·         Everyone is nervous, even if they don’t show it.

·         Introduce yourself, be smiley, and support others, even if it means just clapping after they audition.

·         If you’re unsure about what’s expected on the night or you want to ask something about the production, do ask a volunteer or the panel.

·         Show interest and ask questions. The age-old adage of “there is no such thing as a stupid question” is so true in theatre.

Tip: Some societies offer “buddy systems” for newcomers, ask if that’s available.

Don’t Take It Personally

Not getting cast doesn’t mean you weren’t good, it just means you weren’t right for this particular role, or perhaps someone else was just more right on that day. When panels are making their decisions, it is like completing a puzzle. You have to consider everything from ages to height differences, to compatibility. Perhaps you were the best for the role, but you didn’t quite work with the other actor who was best for a different role. It doesn’t make it easy to swallow losing a part to something like that, but the key is to not take it personally and not let it affect you coming back. There is always another audition.

Tip: Always ask for feedback if it’s offered. It’s a great way to grow.

Celebrate the Achievement

This part is key! Do not beat yourself up, instead celebrate the fact that you stepped onto that stage and gave it your all. Theatre is not easy for anyone; it takes serious guts to put yourself in front of other people to be judged. So if you audition, no matter the outcome, celebrate your achievement.

Tip: Celebrate yourself for showing up. The theatre world needs people like you.

In Summary:

·         Know the format.

·         Ask questions.

·         Be prepared but stay flexible.

·         Dress comfortably.

·         Take direction openly.

·         Use the basics of performance to stand out.

·         Support your fellow auditionees.

·         Keep going, even if the first audition doesn’t end up in success.

Amateur Theatre is built on the foundations of normal people taking a chance on something new and throwing caution to the wind, and it has seriously changed so many lives. So… take your chance and enjoy the ride.

Have your first audition coming up? Drop us a message, we’re always happy to cheer you on or help you prepare!

If you would like to audition for one of our productions, just head to our Auditions Page